“Generally, the biggest difference physically is you don’t recover between games as quickly,” Smith said. “But as far as overall difference in how it feels [to be in your 30s] is you just have more experience.”

Smith has played 96% of the defensive snaps, including 91% against the Cardinals last week. Recent fumbles aside, Jones has re-energized what was a lifeless running game. Linebacker/lineman Jihad Ward, 30, has brought strength and an interior rush up front. Defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard, 31, might be the most underrated player on the team. Ditto for 30-year-old tight end Johnny Mundt. Fullback C.J. Ham, 31, is still a bedrock player. And, oh yeah, 34-year-old Stephon Gilmore has brought the kind of peace and professionalism to the cornerback position that the Vikings haven’t seen in a while.

That being said, age may have reared up and bit Gilmore on the hamstring last week. He missed the second half of the Cardinals game and is out this week. He’ll be replaced by 30-year-old Fabian Moreau in what could be a gigantic advantage for Kirk Cousins and the Falcons offense.

The Vikings were making an effort to limit Gilmore’s reps because of his age. He has played 85% of the defensive snaps, the second-lowest of his 13-year career and way under the 94% he played in Dallas last year and the career-high 99% he played with the Colts in 2022.

“Age is just a number,” said Mundt, who turned 30 on Nov. 23. “It is weird seeing that ‘3′ where your age is listed. But I feel like I’m just hitting my stride.”

As for the guy who rode the camel into his 30th birthday party? Well, all he did that fall was win his third NFL rushing title (1,485) while leading the league in touchdowns (11) and carries (327).